BOOK LAUNCH/REVIEW: Gendered Experiences of Genocide: Anfal Survivors in Kurdistan- Iraq

KSSO and Kurdish Association would like to cordially invite you to Kurdish Studies forthcoming book launch and seminar

A book that examines Kurdish women's experience of destruction, gassing, forced displacement, the disappearance of loved ones, and incarceration during the Anfal campaign. It explores the survival strategies of these women in the aftermath of genocide. By bringing together and highlighting women's own testimonies, Choman Hardi reconstructs the Anfal narrative in contrast to the current prevailing one which is highly politicised, simplified, and nationalistic. It also addresses women's silences about sexual abuse and rape in a patriarchal society which holds them responsible for having been a victim of sexual violence.

Reviews of the book:

‘Gendered Experiences of Genocide is a valuable resource and a compelling account of Saddam Hussein's war against the Kurds. Dr Hardi's thorough study illuminates this under-researched subject with clarity and restraint, and her command of the facts and analysis of survivors' narratives make for gripping reading. It is a must read for anyone interested in gender and genocide.' Dr. Myrna Goldenberg, Independent Scholar on Gender and the Holocaust

‘Abandoned by the outside world and the international community, these women's memories are a shuddering cry of desolation. This is a book about murder, suffering, and the illegal and terrible acts of those who had the power to decide the fate of so many. We who listen to and read these stories not only have much to learn from them; we must also strive to ensure that their urgent present day needs are met.' Prof. Selma Leydesdorff, University of Amsterdam, Writer on the voices of the women of Srebrenica.

A summary of the book will be presented and then copies of the book will be available for signing.

Speaker: Dr Choman Hardi

Date/time: 23rd April 2011 @ 6 p.m.

Venue: Rivercourt Methodist Church, Kings Street Hammersmith W6 9JT, Tel: 02087411348, Nearest Station: Ravenscourt Park (Please note: The universities are closed due to Easter break, therefore we will do our book launch and seminar at Rivercourt Methodist Church, Hammersmith)

—

The UK Kurdish Studies & Student Organisation is a non-political body that strives to promote greater awareness of the Kurds, their political and cultural situation in the Middle East and as a significant minority community in the UK.

Email: mc@ksso.org.uk
Website: www.ksso.org.uk